A new concourse at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport includes ADB SAFEGATE’s gate solutions delivered by AERO BridgeWorks. The 14-gate concourse is a key element of the airport’s Project Journey construction program. The new gates are operated by American Airlines and feature ADB SAFEGATE’s Safedock Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (A-VDGS) and SafeControl Apron Management. With this automated system, pilots can park aircraft precisely and safely, even in adverse weather conditions.
“In the last five years, AERO has delivered several projects at Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD), which are managed by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). American Airlines is one of ADB SAFEGATE’s largest customers and will be using the Safedock technology to support its regional jet operations. As a trusted installation partner to both the airport and ADB SAFEGATE, we’re happy to support MWAA’s first A-VDGS project,” said Jay Grantham, President, AERO BridgeWorks.
“Together with our construction partners, Turner Construction and MC Dean, AERO and ADB SAFEGATE are proud to bring Safedock A-VDGS to our nation’s capital and are excited to see the technology in use,” added Svet Neov, Project Manager, AERO BridgeWorks.
ADB SAFEGATE delivered 14 Safedock A-VDGS, which were connected to American Airlines’ existing SafeControl Apron Management (SAM) solution to automate the docking process. SAM integrates with the airline’s flight information system to share flight information with the A-VDGS prior to arrival. Using the A-VDGS to track arrival and departure of aircraft at the gate, SAM provides accurate gate availability information to stakeholders, and supports real-time assignment of gates to mitigate delays. The integrated system further streamlines the aircraft turn process with its Ramp Information Display System (RIDS) capability to deliver vital flight information and updates to flight and ground crew via the Safedock display.
“American Airlines uses Safedock A-VDGS on more than 400 gates at its largest U.S. hub airports in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami and New York [JFK], and is expanding the technology to other airports like Reagan National,” said Joe Pokoj, CEO ADB SAFEGATE Americas. “This project is the perfect example of how airports are providing airline partners the tools they need to achieve smoother operations irrespective of weather or other conditions. In the current COVID-driven market, this technology provides a highly agile and flexible operation that holds down costs, smooths out the bumps and positions the operator to return to normal levels of traffic and growth.”
Project Journey includes the new 14-gate concourse as well as two new security checkpoint buildings at Reagan National. This major construction program is transforming the passenger experience by eliminating bus operations to 14 outdoor airline gates. Connecting the gates to the main terminal and converting existing pre-security areas into secured spaces improves passenger flow between concourses and expands passenger access to airport amenities. ADB SAFEGATE’s Safedock systems were installed in February and have been operational since the new concourse opened ahead of schedule last week.
